Damar is a natural gum resin made from rainforest trees. Damar is used as a varnish for paintings and in foods & cosmetics.

Damar is the only natural substance still used for making varnishes for pictures because it yellows much less than other natural resins and is very durable. Damar is a Malay word meaning "Resin" and referring to the rainforest trees it comes from in South East Asia. The resin began use as a varnish in 1826 and varients of Damar are named by their origin of shipping; the best type of Damar is known to be Singapore Grade A or Sumatra 1A.

Damar can be bought ready made as a varnish or the artist can easily make it up using this standard formula: dissolve 350g damar gum resin in 600ml Gum Turpentine, do not substitute with Mineral Turps. This is a better mix than most ready made commercial grades. Never purchase Damar Varnish from a hardware store under any circumstances.

Damar is used in foods as either a clouding or a glazing agent, it is also sometimes used in cosmetics in simairl ways and in the making of incense.